STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 April 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

HARKER AND LODGE CO-STARRED. “Lightning Conductor," a new attraction, co-starring Gordon Harker and John Lodge, which wiR be shown tonight at the State Theatre, has an enthralling central theme which revolves around the unscrupulous efforts of a foreign spy ring to obtain the key plans for the balloon barrage over London. The film brings to the screen a subject of the highest topical interest dealt with in a series of fastmoving sequences in which breathtaking suspense alternates with irresistible humour. Gordon Harker is presented in one of the most humorous yet dramatic roles of his career as a London ’bus conductor. His uneventful life is thrown into confusion when the head of a spy-ring, portrayed by John Lodge, in order to escape discovery, thrusts some stolen plans into the unwitting conductor’s pocket. Complications set in when the foreign agent ii; an endeavour to retrieve the plans from the ’bus depot is caught in the act by a nightwatchman, whom he shoots. Thrill follows thrill with the scene of the chase ranging from a hilarious concert given by Gordon Harker and his fellow ’busmen, to the interior of the ’bus, which John Lodge, still on the track of the elusive conductor, boards with his confederates, determined, this time, that his prey shall not escape. A climax of sustained intensity is reached when the spy-chief and his gang commandeer the 'bus and, with a police convoy close behind them, make a bold dash for the aeroplane which is to take the plans to the enemy power. A strong supporting cast headed by Sally Gray and George Moon in the romantic leads, includes Ernest Thesiger. Steve Gerav, Florence Roberts, Charles Eaton, Arthur Hambling and Roy Findlay. The other feature will be an outstanding picture full of dramatic incidents. entitled “Reno,” in which Richard Dix and Gail Patrick will take the leading roles. In addition newsreels, a travel talk and a musical short ■Aill be shown. The programme will commence at 7.30 o’clock.